Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get from individuals interested in training in the Martial Arts. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at McCall Mixed Martial Arts – we love to educate people about what we love most!

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a system of self-defense that came from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu as taught by Mitsuyo Maeda. In the early to mid 1900’s the art was revived and improved by Carlos Gracie Sr., from Brazil. It uses leverage, choke holds, leg locks, armlocks, and other submission holds, and it has been tested and proven in real life and Ultimate Fighting Championships.

What is Muay Thai Kickboxing?

Muay Thai Kickboxing is a national sport and passion in Thailand. It is a fighting technique borne out of the realities of combot. It is a fighting style that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. It is the main stand up striking system used in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

What is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?

MMA is a fighting style that combines ground and stand up techniques to develop a complete system of self-defense and fighting. We use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing as our two primary styles.

Am I too old to start BJJ or Kickboxing training?

We have students ranging from 5 to 50. We always recommend that you see your physician before starting if you are not sure if you are physically able to do so. Once you start, you will begin to learn new skills, lose weight, and feel an improvement in you conditioning.

Am I too heavy or out of shape to start training?

No. Once you begin training, you will begin to lose inches first, then lose weight (how much is up to you), and get in better physical condition. We will push you as much as you can take and your conditioning will improve drastically.

Are your classes for beginners?

Our kickboxing classes are coed and have both beginners and those that are more experienced. You will learn your fundamentals and also be helped by the more advanced students. In BJJ, we offer two fundamental classes a week for new students who are less than blue belt.

Am I too small to train with larger students?

No, the styles we teach rely on technique rather than strength. The larger students also know that they are to use technique, rather than their weight and strength. Bullies in the school are dealt with swiftly and that behavior is not tolerated. We are here to help each other, not hurt each other!

Do I have to compete?

No, you do not have to compete. We do have students that compete, students that want to learn a new martial art, students that want to get into shape without the redundant gym workouts, and we have those students that want to learn so that they can watch the UFC and know what is occurring on the ground. Our students have won many medals and trophies in local tournaments, Grapplers Quest, NAGA, and IBJJF tournaments, but we will never force you to compete.

Do you train people for cage fighting (amateur and professional)?

No.

How often do I have to train?

Train as often as you like, but most people see better results training three or more times a week.

Is there a belt ranking system?

Yes, we use the guidelines from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. BJJ Adult ranking starts at white belt, then continues to blue belt, purple belt, brown belt, and then black belt. Children belt ranking starts with the white belt, then continues on to gray, yellow, orange, and green belt before getting to the blue belt, which starts the adult (16 and older) ranking.

How long has your school been open?

We opened in May 2008.

What do I wear?

For your initial free trial class, we recommend simply wear shorts and a t-shirt. Once you join, BJJ class attire is a Gi (traditional martial arts uniform). In Muay Thai Kickboxing, we wear Muay Thai shorts and a t-shirt. In the No-Gi BJJ, we wear shorts (no pockets) and a rash-guard/under armor shirt.

How much does it cost?

Our prices are very affordable and the cost varies from program to program. We invite you to come in and try out one free class of each style (Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and No-Gi BJJ). We are confident that you will love our training program and decide to join! We don’t have any gimmicks or hidden agendas. Once you decide to join, we will sit down, discuss all of the different package prices, your goals, and then get you on the right program to reach your goals.

If your question wasn’t addressed above, please contact us today to speak to a member of our team. We are happy to take a moment to answer any questions you might have!